What was life like for a Pharaoh? What did he wear? What did he eat? How involved was he in political decisions? And did he fight alongside his troops on the battlefield? In this talk, Dr Garry J. Shaw explores Egyptian palace life, the king’s daily duties, royal health, family, entertainment and sport, as well as the pharaoh’s role as war leader on campaign. Approaching the pharaohs as people, rather than as untouchable, ideal gods, we will become closer to the mortals who once wore the Double Crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Garry Shaw

Dr Garry J. Shaw received his PhD in Egyptology from the University of Liverpool, where he also taught Egyptian history. He has since lectured at the American University in Cairo, the Bloomsbury Summer School, and is a course tutor for the Egypt Exploration Society, London. He is the author of The Pharaoh: Life at Court and on Campaign (Thames and Hudson, 2012), writes on Egyptian heritage for The Art Newspaper, and is managing editor of the magazine Al Rawi: Egypt’s Heritage Review. His newest book, The Egyptian Myths, A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends (Thames and Hudson), is out now.